A missing certificate, an unclear boundary or an unanswered question about an extension can hold up a house sale long after an offer is accepted. Gathering the documents needed to sell a house early gives your conveyancer time to resolve problems rather than scrambling at the last minute.
There is no single paperwork pack for every UK property. Requirements depend on where the home is, its ownership arrangements and what has changed during your ownership. Here is what to collect, and why it matters.
Start with identity and proof of ownership
Identity and address documents
Estate agents and conveyancers carry out identity checks to help prevent fraud and money laundering. Expect to provide photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence, and proof of address. Requirements vary, so follow your firm’s instructions. Joint owners will normally each need checks.
Title deeds and Land Registry information
Your conveyancer needs evidence of ownership and any rights or restrictions affecting the property. For a registered home in England or Wales, much comes from HM Land Registry’s title register and plan. You generally do not need old paper deeds simply because you are selling.
Retain agreements explaining shared access, restrictive covenants or unusual boundaries. If the property is unregistered, original deeds may be essential. Tell your solicitor immediately if documents are missing or the name on the title needs updating.
Check the Energy Performance Certificate before marketing
Most homes need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when marketed, unless an exemption applies. An EPC normally lasts ten years, and you may find an existing certificate on the relevant national register. If there is none, arrange an assessment before marketing.
An EPC describes energy efficiency; it is not a structural survey or proof that a boiler is safe. Use the register and rules for the UK nation where your home is located.
Complete the property information and contents forms
The TA6 property information form
In England and Wales, the TA6 property information form is standard seller paperwork for most ordinary home sales. It covers boundaries, disputes, alterations, guarantees, environmental issues, services and rights affecting the property. The sixth edition became required for new matters handled by Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme firms from 30 March 2026.
Your conveyancer supplies the form. Answer from what you genuinely know and avoid guessing. For example, discuss a past neighbour dispute with your solicitor rather than assuming it no longer matters. Correct an answer promptly if circumstances change.
The TA10 fittings and contents form
The TA10 records what stays with the house and what you will remove, including curtains, appliances and garden items. If you are taking a valuable light fitting but leaving the integrated dishwasher, make that clear. Written agreement helps prevent arguments on moving day.
Collect certificates for alterations and guarantees
A useful house sale documents UK checklist includes paperwork for work carried out on the home. Look for planning permissions, building regulations approvals and completion certificates for extensions, loft conversions or structural alterations.
Also gather relevant window installation certificates, electrical paperwork, boiler documents, damp-proofing guarantees, roof warranties and transferable new-build warranties. Gas service records may help, but a standard owner-occupied sale does not automatically require a new gas safety certificate. Ask your solicitor which documents for conveyancing actually apply.
Suppose you replaced the windows seven years ago but cannot locate the installation certificate. Contact the installer or certification scheme now. Finding a replacement, or agreeing an appropriate response with your solicitor, is easier before the buyer raises the issue.
Have mortgage and financial details ready
If there is a mortgage, give your conveyancer the lender’s name and account details. They usually obtain a redemption statement showing what must be repaid from the sale proceeds. Check potential early repayment charges, and disclose other loans secured against the property.
Selling on another person’s behalf may require additional legal authority, such as a power of attorney or probate documents. Your solicitor can explain the evidence needed.
Leasehold flats and managed estates need extra paperwork
A leasehold sale commonly involves the lease, TA7 leasehold information form, ground rent and service charge statements, insurance details and management information. The TA7 fifth edition applies to new matters at Conveyancing Quality Scheme firms from 30 March 2026.
Your conveyancer may request a management pack, often through an LPE1 enquiry form. Fees and response times vary. Freehold properties on managed estates can also require information on shared services and estate charges, sometimes using an FME1 form. Identify the managing agent early.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have different requirements
The England and Wales TA forms are not a UK-wide requirement. In Scotland, most homes marketed for sale need a Home Report containing a Single Survey, an Energy Report and a Property Questionnaire. The seller generally arranges this before marketing, subject to exemptions. A Scottish solicitor checks the title and other necessary records.
In Northern Ireland, sellers generally need an EPC when marketing, unless exempt, while local solicitors handle title and contract paperwork under Northern Irish procedures. Request a checklist suited to your location.
Organise paperwork around likely delays
Keep separate folders for identity and ownership, marketing documents, alterations and certificates, completed forms, and mortgage or management information. Save readable copies, but preserve originals when your conveyancer requests them.
Flag unresolved boundary questions, shared-driveway arrangements, missing approvals and unregistered land immediately. These often need more attention than routine forms. A step-by-step home selling guide, a conveyancing timeline guide and a moving-house checklist can help you connect document preparation with the wider process.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell a house without the original deeds?
Often, yes. For registered property, your conveyancer can generally obtain title information from the relevant register. Unregistered land may require original deeds or further evidence, so report anything missing early.
Do I need building regulations certificates for old work?
A buyer may request evidence that relevant work complied with the rules in force when it was done. What is needed depends on the work and its date. Discuss missing approvals with your solicitor before pursuing retrospective paperwork.
Can I list my house before completing the TA6?
Usually, yes. The TA6 is mainly used in conveyancing, although preparing answers early saves time. EPC requirements are a separate matter that usually arises before marketing.
What if I cannot find a warranty or certificate?
Tell your conveyancer. They may recommend requesting a copy, investigating the records or explaining the gap to the buyer. The appropriate response depends on what is missing.
Prepare the file before the buyer asks
Good preparation is not about collecting every document ever issued for your home. Start with identity, title and EPC details, then work through property forms, improvements and leasehold information where relevant. An organised file cannot guarantee a fast sale, but it can reduce avoidable paperwork delays.